New homes help families to stay

A FAMILY are celebrating moving to their new home as part of a scheme making housing available to local people who are otherwise priced out of the market.

West Oxfordshire MP Robert Courts officially cut the ribbon to declare the 10-home scheme in Bury Close, Kingham, open.

The development, on a former domestic garden area, will give priority to those who live or work in Kingham who would otherwise be priced out.

Mr Courts said: “This fantastic scheme brings much-needed housing to local people. Everyone involved should be proud of what they have achieved.”

Dragos and Doris Goga are among the first residents to move in with children Darius, seven, Albert, four and two-year-old Lina and are “delighted” with their new three-bedroom home.

Mrs Goga, who has worked as a carer in Kingham for seven years, said: “I love the house and the area. We used to live in Chipping Norton but there is more room for the children to play here.”

Mr Goga added: “We are really impressed with the quality of the work and by the professionalism of everyone involved.”

Cllr Colin Dingwall, cabinet member for housing at West Oxfordshire District Council, said: “This is an excellent example of how it is possible to provide affordable housing for local people.

“It has only been achieved through great teamwork across a range of partners and, most importantly, involving the local community.”

Sovereign’s chief operating officer Heather Bowman said: “There is a real need for this kind of affordable housing to help families stay connected to their local area.

“Only by working closely together with those living and working in our communities can we really make a difference and Bury Close is a fantastic example of what can be achieved to help our rural communities thrive.”